Best Crossbow For Deer Hunting: 10 Incredible Options For You

Introduction

A deer hunting crossbow should be silent, accurate, and fast, with the ability to put down big game in seconds. Gone are the days of Robin Hood and Leonardo Da Vinci when crossbows were essentially just simple hunting tools.

Back then, a crossbow’s functionality and accuracy varied from one user to the other. However, today anyone who is willing to learn the sport can use a crossbow and make a good hunt.

But how do you choose the right crossbow when embarking on deer hunting? This is a quick guide with our top recommendations for the best crossbow for deer hunting.

We will outline these crossbows and place them in beginner, intermediate, and premium categories.

3 Best Beginner Crossbows For Deer Hunting

Since 1962, Barnett Crossbows has been an industry leader in making safe, fast, and reliable crossbows in all shapes and sizes for hunters and sports enthusiasts.

The Barnett 78134 Crossbow is excellent for beginners. This 6.5 pounds crossbow comes mostly assembled and the precision is solid.

The 2018 model with a matte black finish is an addition to Barnett Crossbows’ compound series. It measures between 30 to 35 inches long with a draw weight of only 130 lbs.

These specifications give these compound crossbows better shooting precision without exerting too much physical effort. They, therefore, are a good pick for smaller framed users, women, and young adults.

Barnett 78134 Crossbow features a single bolt assembly, which makes it easy to assemble, especially for a beginner.

It fires its bolts at a speed of 330 feet per second. In addition, these crossbows have a lightweight composite stock that can adjust up to 2 inches.

The quiver can hold an arrow without a broadhead and three other arrows with broadheads.

5 Best Intermediate Crossbows For Deer Hunting

This crossbow uses a recurve limb style that makes it more stable, accurate, powerful, and silent than its predecessor models.

Measuring 32 inches long and weighing 5.8 lbs., the crossbow has a 12.5” power stroke.

By combining this power stroke, its unique rubber string groove that minimizes limb vibrations, with its draw weight of 175 lbs., the PSE Archery Jolt Hunting Crossbow delivers a shooting speed of 250 feet per second hitting a target at least 40 yards away.

PSE Archery Jolt Hunting Crossbow is ideal for the average size person. However, taller persons can employ the crossbow’s retractable shoulder stock to extend it a further 1.25 inches.

It makes an excellent Christmas gift for the young family members. Plus, if you put a sling on this bow, you can enjoy a bonding session with your loved ones and still bring back dinner.

This is a product of the merging of two powerhouses in the crossbow engineering: The Stryker Crossbows and Offspring Crossbows. This sleek packaging and great aesthetics make this crossbow eye-catching.

The crossbow’s bolts propel at a speed of 360 feet per second with virtually no sound. It uses 20 inches long arrows that propel at a draw weight of 140 lbs. The 12.75” power stroke gives it momentum to hit targets further ahead.

Additionally, this crossbow has a 3.5lbs trigger, one of the highest of all the crossbows in its class.

It includes a 4X32 mm scope, a cocking rope, a quiver with three 370 grain 20” carbon bolts, anti-dry fire, and auto safety, quad fiberglass limb composite stock, noise-suppressing stops, and a sling and rubber coating on the foot stock to reduce noise and vibrations.

The crossbow uses a rope cocker that is safe, fast, and easy to handle. It has aluminum CNC enhanced rail and a trigger pull system that breaks at 3.5lbs. This trigger system de-cocks at the touch of a button.

The crossbow’s draw weight of 200 lbs together with a 15” power stroke can fatally hit a deer 60 yards away.

The crossbow is small in size with an axle to axle dimension of 17.75″/14.25″. Its length is adjustable from 35 inches to 36.5 inches.

This Ripper 415 Model is easy to adjust. It has a customized feel on the heel, handgrip, and scope. It uses limb and string silencers and string suppressors that limit the noise and vibrations when shooting.

The package also includes 4X32 KI Lumix Illuminated Reticle W scope with 5 brightness settings and red and blue light. There are 3 KillerTech arrows, 5 arrow quiver with tactical side mount, and rail lube.

The crossbow’s power stroke stands at 13.75 inches. It also has a draw weight of 185 lbs and a speed of 370 feet per second making it one of the best crossbows in this range.

If you love shooting your game while on top of a tree, this crossbow’s fully adjustable length of between 34.5 inches and 37 inches, an adjustable tactical stock, forearm, and a lightweight CNC machined aluminum rail makes it easy to haul around with little effort.

2 Best Premium Crossbows For Deer Hunting

Increased speeds and performance come at a premium price in the crossbow market – the Ravin R20 Sniper Crossbow is no exception. This crossbow retails at a premium price with premium features that will not disappoint.

The first feature to stand out is its Vortex® Strike Eagle 1-8x 24 scopes. It gives it an accuracy level that is rare in crossbows. Next is its high velocity of 430 feet per second and kinetic energy of 164 ft-lbs.

Combine these specs with a 13 inches power stroke and a draw weight of 12lbs and you have yourself a game changer in deer hunting.

Buyer’s Guide To The Best Crossbow For Deer Hunting

If you find it hard to understand the ambiguous terms used to differentiate the various crossbows in the market, this buyers’ guide shall come in handy.

The differences in the specifications are what determine the accuracy, level of noise or vibrations, overall weight, compatibility, and definitely the price of the crossbows.

Bargain vs. Class

With crossbows, your desired package determines the cost. Entry-level crossbows comprise of the basic components, limited accuracy, and precision. Most of their systems will require a manual set up.

If you opt for crossbows with the lowest price possible for practice purposes, ensure you get a brand whose user manual is easy to understand. This will save you time assembling and disassembling the machine.

Ensure that you also understand how the fire safety mechanism works to avoid unnecessary accidents. You might have to contend with some level of noise from the machine and less accuracy.

Prices of crossbows start from as low as under $200 to as high as above $2,000. Crossbows vary in shooting speed, calibers, pulling mechanisms, size, and shapes. Do your research ahead of time to know what your specific needs are.

General Specifications

When purchasing crossbows, you need to compare various numerals.

These aspects work collectively to make your crossbow a lethal hunting tool. Below are some of the most critical aspects: –

Velocity

A crossbow’s speed is expressed in feet per second. It varies depending on the weight of the arrow used.

There are crossbows with high velocity reaching 460 feet per second. Such speeds can put down the largest game within seconds.

The crossbow’s velocity will vary from a recurve crossbow, to a compound crossbow and a reverse draw crossbow. It also depends on the drag forces pulling the arrow once it is in the air.

It is therefore prudent to use the velocity alongside other specifications in deciding on which of the crossbow for deer hunting you will purchase.

Draw Weight

The crossbow’s draw weight is a measure of the amount of weight required to draw the crossbow.

It varies from one crossbow to the other to accommodate for the varying hunting styles of users. The bigger the target game, the more draw weight you will need.

The crossbow must have sufficient draw weight in order to hit targets with precision. The average draw weight of most crossbows ranges between 150 pounds and 175 pounds. Some states in the US have set the draw weight limits for crossbows to 200 pounds.

Power Stroke

This is the length between the crossbow’s string when in a cocked position compared to its resting or uncocked position. It is an indicator of how fast the arrow will fly.

However, power stroke alone will not propel the arrow. You should also consider the draw weight, limb design, and string material.

Brand

Opt for brands with a track record for producing high performing crossbows.

With that said, there are some new entrants in the market that have hit it off on a high, churning out accurate, robust and noiseless machines.

Safety Features

One of the main safety features of a crossbow is the anti-dry fire safety mechanism. This system ensures that your bolts do not engage when you are not ready to shoot.

Hence, this safety gear protects your wrists or any other object in front that you had no intention of hitting.

Crossbow Deer Hunting FAQs

Q. What Is The Farthest Distance That A Crossbow Can Shoot?

Crossbows can hit a target up to approximately 500 yards away.

Q. What Is The Minimum Draw Weight That Can Put Down A Large Deer?

At least 150 lbs.

Q. Do I Need A Permit To Use My Crossbow?

Yes. You must obtain a permit in order to use a crossbow during the archery season. The permit requirements, however, vary from one state to the other.

Q. How Can I Stay Safe When Using My Crossbow For Deer Hunting?

Always un-cock your crossbow when you are not using it. Never put your fingers in the path of the string. This can easily lead to you shooting at your fingers.

If you are a beginner, always ensure you countercheck the manufacturer’s instructions every time you go out to use your crossbow for deer hunting.

Confirm limb clearance before shooting to avoid accidents.

Conclusion

The best crossbow for deer hunting must be fast, accurate and easy to handle. These three aspects boil down to the specifications of the crossbow you choose.

However, you can have all the basic requirements plus additional accessories in the crossbow package depending on your exact hunting needs.

Of course, if you are a beginner, you can pick a basic crossbow and once you have the skills, gradually move to the more sophisticated ones that require less effort.

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Affiliate Disclaimer

All Terrain Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.